Abstract: A soft start circuit device couples at the junction between a 0-10 volt DC dimmer and an LED driver. A first wire couples with the positive polarity dimmer output, and a second wire couples with the negative polarity dimmer output. A capsule provides electrical insulation and physical consolidation and isolation to the capsule interior, and the first and second wires each pass through the capsule wall into the capsule interior. A capacitor and resistor are retained in the capsule interior and are each electrically coupled in parallel across the first and second wires. A sealant fills the capsule interior. At least one indicium is affixed with each wire, to indicate proper polarity connection with the 0-10 volt DC dimmer output. The capsule may further comprise a generally cylindrical and light transmissive polycarbonate packaging tube, and first and second end caps. The sealant may also comprise a light transmissive silicone sealant.

Abstract: A solid state lighting panel sequentially energizes a plurality of LED lighting banks at the zero crossing points of the sinusoidal input line voltage. Each LED lighting bank is provided with a soft start circuit to ramp up the luminous intensity gradually. The energizing of one LED lighting bank at a time at zero cross, in combination with soft start ramp, keeps inrush spikes below the ultimate steady state operating current level. The lighting panel is further provided with line-in and line-out surge protection, along with a specific arrangement of terminals within a terminal block, the provision of surge protectors therein, the use of optically isolated solid state relays, and a plurality of well-placed circuit breakers to provide enhanced surge tolerance.